Follow the movie magic with these soundtrack covers and his magical TikTok account @caseyjcostello. We first saw Costello in Switching Styles in an article about Disney’s snow white soundtrack. The article “Disney and Dreams: Snow White Cover Songs” included his work. Here’s the beautiful cover song that he did of “Some Day My Prince Will Come”. In this profound and powerful duet, Casey Jones Costello and Yunjin Audrey Kim blend their gorgeous vocals with Yunjin’s stunning piano talents.
Introducing The Music Of Casey Costello
“As you might have guessed from my performance of “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” I love to perform a variety of Disney songs, and my repertoire includes Disney songs from different eras, from the 1930s through today. However, I perform a large repertoire of songs in different styles as part of themed programs that I do, and I also compose original songs.” Casey Costello explains to switching styles writer, Dylanna Fisher.
Casey Costello Disney Covers
He has a great amount of music on his YouTube channel right here. We’d love to showcase some of Switching Styles’ favourites of Costello’s Disney parody songs. Let us know in the comments below which one is your favourite. Switching Styles has compiled a list of fantastic and nostalgic music created by Costello.
Let It Go Originally From “Frozen”
Love Is a Song Originally From “Bambi”
Part Of Your World Originally From “The Little Mermaid”
Fixer Upper Originally From “Frozen”
When You Wish Upon a Star Originally From “Pinocchio”
Part Of Your World Originally From “The Little Mermaid” Piano Karaoke with Lyrics
Whether you’re a bard in the middle of combat or a barbarian enjoying a late-night campfire, here are songs to belt out during a LARP game. Here is some Bardic Inspiration with examples of Bardic Songs.
When it comes to any kind of traditional Roleplaying game be it D&D, GURPS, Pathfinder, Quest, Coyote and Crow, there’s a bard or a bard-like class. They are the ones that are typically oozing charisma with entertainment. Usually, this is musical entertainment. Bards also appear in many LARP games. Take Refuge LARP or Underworld LARP for example, these two Canadian LARPs have a fantastic and creative community including bards.
That’s honestly a good question. Singing randomly can seem like a weird thing to do that only happens in Disney movies, musicals and that one episode of Buffy the vampire slayer. Despite the love for musical theatre, there are a few varied reasons you’d sing at a LARP.
Singing is something your character would do.
Performing in real life adds to realism.
Impressing the party, the dm, and the plot team with your singing and improv skills.
Engaging with the other characters and with the plot.
Help your character stand out. This could be either a good or a bad thing.
Acts as an excuse to add in a musical number.
Finding The Song for Bardic Inspiration
Fantasy songs for folks to sing during a D&D game or a LARP can be hard to find and even harder to perform. We’ve compiled a list of fantasy songs perfect for your bard! Here are some lively songs to sing around the campfire. Don’t worry, we’ve provided links to the lyrics to help you practice before the game.
Want to convince your players that you’re less evil than they think you are? Sing a song like “that can make even the most roguish character seem trusting and in touch with their emotions.
Don’t hesitate to stick with the classics. They’re classics for a reason. There will be both Bonnie Tyler and Shrek fans in the audience. you’re sure to have a few folks singing along. It’s a great idea to add in-game immersion for everyone. Listen to it on Spotify.
Here’s another beautiful and heartfelt classic that’s not just for the bards. Show off your cleric or paladins’ pipes while singing out loud and making all the magic users around nervous. Listen on Spotify!
When it comes to classics, there’s nothing wrong with giving the audience what they want. I promise you someone will want this song whether they specifically request it or not. Sea Shanty’s rule. Save it on Spotify or Deezer.
Just because it’s a new song doesn’t mean it won’t work for a medieval fantasy setting. Check out this fantastic modern swing revival band from Southern California.
The combination of Irish folk singing, lively instrumentals, and iambic pentameter makes this song a perfect fit for your bard. especially if they’re very charismatic if you catch my drift.
Now this song is quite simple and sweet. Around the campfire, this is an ideal song to lull the characters to sleep or into a false sense of security. Either way, “Come little children” is a hauntingly beautiful song.
Listen to it on Spotify. Ready to go into battle? Not without singing about your motivation, you’re not. Take it from me belting out a woeful song before the war is as effective as an orc barbarian war cry.
It’s not only bards that could benefit from singing. Consider your lonely barbarian that just happens to have a lovely baritone singing voice. Give them a chance to shine with a song already from within a game. From Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, this song is sure to give everyone goosebumps or chicken skin.
If you didn’t expect this song to be on the list, then I don’t know what to tell you. Of course, it’s on the list, it’s from Tolkien, one of the main fantasy authors that inspired characters to this day.
Now we only had room for 10 because our writers thought that nobody would read to the bottom of a list of 176 fantasy-inspired songs. Nonetheless, here are our honourable mentions for your listening (and singing) pleasure.
Bardic Inspiration Conclusion
Make any event a spontaneous musical. Whether you’re heading into battle humming one of these or providing a healing word to a tune or even running into battle shrieking music at the top of your lungs, it adds to the immersion of the event. Support Switching Styles and sharing our song suggestions far and wide. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, on our email newsletter. Share your favourite song suggestions in the comments below.
What’s a High Fantasy Themed RPG game without high-fantasy music to accompany the party? Even the most basic ethereal high fantasy games are brought to life with ethereal and immersive background music.
Introduction To High Fantasy Games
“With the rapid advancements in technology accompanying video games, soundtracks have changed dramatically and have become an important part of the storytelling process,” Explains the writers at Anara Publishing.
Consider fantasy films like Lord of The Rings, The Dark Crystal, Maleficent, Jumanji, Enchanted, Alice in Wonderland, and The Spiderwick Chronicles. All of them have a fantastic soundtrack that adds to the film itself. With fantasy elements intertwined in the sound effects, ambience, and music soundtrack, there’s so much immersion. Now consider immersion in a role-playing game.
whether you’re playing The One Ring Roleplaying Game: Second Edition, Pendragon, D&D, Pathfinder, Warhammer, D6, GURPS, Zweihander, Ryuutama: Natural Fantasy Roleplay, Journey Away, there’s always a potential for music to add to it. Follow this fantastic topic on Switching styles by signing up for our newsletter or visiting here.
High Fantasy Themed Musical Immersion
How can audio help RPG immersion? Audio, whether it’s music or sound effects or soundscapes, adds to immersion by interacting with another sense. Typically, in a tabletop RPG game, you’re engaged visually and mentally. Adding another sense makes it easier to ignore the ‘outside world’ while you’re playing the game. Music like the ones we’ve compiled below is a great way to add a sense of realism.
Let me know what your favourite was in the comments below! Thanks for reading Switching Styles today! It means a lot to the writers. Follow the blog on WordPress or our social media and never miss an update or contest!
Fans are ecstatic about the new anthem song for the National Football league (NFL). This article "NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak" is guest written by Jason Greiner.
Fans are ecstatic about the new anthem song for the National Football league (NFL). This article “NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak” is guest written by Jason Greiner.
Some musicians are household names. Even if they haven’t been performing for decades and are relatively new to the industry, there are people out there that you’ve probably heard of regardless of your age or musical interests. Unless you are especially versed in the music scene, Pinar Toprak is probably not one of them. Despite that fact, I can assure you that she is extremely talented and well-respected as a professional and ground-breaking artist.
Toprak is a Turkish-American composer. Only in her early 40s, she has written scores for some of the biggest video game franchises and blockbuster movies including those in the superhero genre. A quick sample includes the game “Fortnite” and the movie “Captain Marvel.” Her impressive resume began in 2004 with the short films “Hold The Rice” and “Headbreaker” both directed by Alfonso Pineda Ulloa.
But recently, this woman took on new ground and became the first female ever to compose a score to go along with one of the biggest sports on the planet. Amazon commissioned her to write the new theme for their broadcasts of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football!
You can see her in action conducting the music for this theme on YouTube!
This newest piece features a full orchestra and a sound that combines the qualities of both power and grace.
Final Thoughts
If you take a listen, you may recognize some sounds that seem to have a feel very similar to what you might expect to hear at a college football stadium during the height of the season. There is an energy about it that makes the listener want to join in as if they were there in the stands while their college team was driving down the field.
There is a driving, forceful and uplifting sensation that seems fitting for a stadium anthem. After all, that is the purpose of this piece. And the energy does not waiver from the very first notes to the finale of this work.
What are your thoughts on the newest NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak? Let u!
Jason Greiner is the author of several books and eBooks and has worked as a professional in the field of journalism and blogging. He also provides photography and graphic design services on a freelance basis. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jason now lives in the city of Mebane, a small but fast-growing community in central North Carolina. As a lifelong music enthusiast, he enjoys discovering new artists and reviewing their work.
As a genre, whether it’s in film video games, RPGs, theatre, television, or music, science fiction is a genre that’s all its own. Read below to learn more about science fiction background music and immersion.
Introduction To Science Fiction Games
Science fiction has long been a genre full of wonder and exploration. The genre itself allows for endless possibilities. That’s what attracts audiences to the genre regardless of its medium. The music that accompanies science fiction is amazingly creative and diverse. The sound effects are mainly intended to be otherworldly and unlike anything we’ve seen before. Follow the topic of Sci-fi on Switching styles by signing up for our newsletter or visiting here.
How can audio help RPG immersion? Background music makes the entire experience much more immersive for the audience. “But even so, music in games and even movies have a propensity to blend into the background and become an inextricable part of a greater whole. Sometimes you don’t really know what you’re missing until you turn it off,” Writes Kellen Beck, a writer from Mashable.
Take Star Trek for example. There were dozens of sound effects and background noises that added to the look and feel of the world and to the overall storytelling.
Consider all the science fiction you’ve ever watched. The noise of the doors to the bridge on Star Trek, Star wars lightsabers during a duel, the blaring alarms and the whoosh of Star Gates are all highly recognizable sounds. but that’s not all they’re highly recognizable sci-fi sound effects.
Science Fiction Background Music
Here’s some music for your listening pleasure. Engage!
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In the 1960s and 70s, there was plenty of great music being made by talented musicians. And one aspect of that era was the concept of the singer-songwriter. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen come to mind among many, many others. It was a time known for people who could both perform and write their own lyrics with eloquence, depth and precision in an almost poetic style.
Some may argue that the next couple of decades were lacking in this skill set. If you are of that mindset, I can certainly understand your point. However, one can argue that some artists still fit the bill.
I’d have to say you could place Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and U2 in that 80s group from my early childhood. As for the 90s, two up-and-coming alternative artists fit the mould in Jewel and Alanis Morrisette. After all, Jewel even had a book of poetry called “A Knight Without Armor” published in 1999 and Morrisette became widely acclaimed for her masterful use of “stream of consciousness” lyrics. And many would go as far as to say that Kurt Cobain, one of the pioneers of the grunge genre out of Seattle, had a gift for songwriting that was far beyond that of the average band’s lead singer.
Since the early 2000s, it would be hard to question that this particular art has fallen off a bit. We now live in a world that is more filled than ever before with cookie-cutter pop songs that often lack any real depth or meaning. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of love for songs and musicians from the last 20-plus years. But most of it just doesn’t apply when you are talking about the singer-songwriter style.
That being the case, I would say there have been a few. While some might scoff, I would say the earlier songs written by Taylor Swift could stand up to the scrutiny of those seeking quality lyrical work. I emphasize that this would be her earlier stuff, not that from the last 8 years or so. I’d also say that some of the work by Avril Lavigne has a bit of a poetic quality even though she is mostly known as a pop-punk artist. But above all, the two who really seem to be reviving the notion of the singer-songwriter a bit would have to be Rob Thomas, soloist and lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, and Ed Sheeran.
Examples of Singer Songwriters
For a little clarification, let me share some examples of some of the quality and meaningful lyrics from a few of the artists I mentioned.
Jewel – Lyrics for “Hands”
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we’re all OK
And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won’t be made useless
Won’t be idle with despair
I’ll gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
“Hands” Song by Jewel
Alanis Morisette – Lyrics from “Thank U”
“How ’bout getting off of these antibiotics
How ’bout stopping eating when I’m full up
How ’bout them transparent dangling carrots
How ’bout that ever elusive kudo
Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you, thank you silence”
“Thank U” Song by Alanis Morissette
Rob Thomas – Lyrics from “3 AM”
She believes that life is made up of all that you’re used to
And the clock on the wall has been stuck at three for days, and days
She thinks that happiness is a mat that sits on her doorway
But outside it’s stopped raining
“3AM” Song by Matchbox Twenty
Ed Sheeran – Lyrics from “The A Team”
And they say
She’s in the Class A Team
Stuck in her daydream
Been this way since eighteen
But lately her face seems
Slowly sinking, wasting
Crumbling like pastries
“The A Team” Song by Ed Sheeran
Final Thoughts Regarding Singer Songwriters
I look forward to learning about more talented singer-songwriters and while the style has been on the decline, it’s nice to see it is still going, even if only to a small extent.
Jason Greiner is the author of several books and eBooks and has worked as a professional in the field of journalism and blogging. He also provides photography and graphic design services on a freelance basis. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jason now lives in the city of Mebane, a small but fast-growing community in central North Carolina. As a lifelong music enthusiast, he enjoys discovering new artists and reviewing their work.
Being new at anything is complicated and daunting. This article dives into tips when it comes to LARP for new players.
Introducing LARP For New Players
Starting as a new player in a LARP game can be just as daunting but it’s easier than you’d think. Let’s start with an introduction to what LARP is.
LARP is an acronym that means live-action roleplaying games. These are immersive games with similar storytelling to traditional role-playing games such as D&D, pathfinder, gamma world and so on. However, there’s one major difference. It’s live.
In traditional roleplaying games, the player creates a character within the specifications of the game rules and plays to that character’s thoughts, actions, and progression. However, in a LARP game, this is done live-action. During the game, you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. You chose at the moment how to respond to the innkeeper asking you your business. Or you’d have to dodge an arrow shot by an angry hobgoblin that’s probably insulting you in under common. Or even you’d be able to bond with your new best friend, a dark elf paladin that makes the best smores. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.
No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game.
How Does One Get Started In LARP? – Step By Step Instructions
Getting started with LARP can be a very daunting task even for the most enthusiastic gamers. There is an immense amount of information to absorb and contextualize at any time. LARP organizers are there to facilitate; reaching out to them is easier than you think.
One – Find A Game That’s of Interest and Logistically Possible.
Two – Contact the Game’s Organizers or Website to Begin Your Character Creation
Three – Create the Persona Form Paper to Flesh
Four – Connect with Other LARPers That Attend That Event to Learn More About It or Bring a Friend.
Starting as a new player can be very intimidating but that’s okay. With our step-by-step list, you’re well on your way to adventuring with your local LARP group.
As the Refuge LARP Calgary website explains, “We are always looking for more people to join our adventures, whether you are in the Player Camp or the Monster Camp. It is never too late to join!”
Live Action Role-playing is a wonderful way to enhance practical skills, social skills, and overall creativity. One example close to home is the Refuge LARP out of Calgary.
What is LARP?
LARP or live-action roleplaying is an immersive game with the storytelling of traditional role-playing games such as D&D, Pathfinder, Gamma World and D6.
Like traditional roleplaying games where one creates a character within the specifications of the game rules, and plays out that character’s thoughts, actions, and phrases. However, in a LARP, it’s merely live action. This means that you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.
No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game.
Introducing Refuge LARP Calgary
“Being a Hero is what LARP is all about,” explains the organizers, “Take on a role as a daring fighter, a dashing rogue, a powerful scholar casting magic or a combination of the three!”
The LARP website explains, “Our story focuses on our players as high-fantasy heroes pitted against seemingly insurmountable odds. Many times, they are victorious, but other times, well, that remains to be seen.”
LARP or Live Action Role Playing Games are an immersive roleplaying game played in person instead on paper. Refuge LARP Calgary is one of the longest running campaigns in Alberta. Starting the LARP in 2011, they’ve gained quite a following for the immersive fantasy game.
The Story of the Game
The story that’s the background for all roleplaying within the game is based on the mythical land of Calandonia. About the size of Europe theoretically, it provides a huge level of exploration for the characters. This land is the main area for game play and the most prominent of the world’s realms. It’s the seat of power.
There’s an overarching storyline with many different facets. There are many ways to engage with the storyline. From simple encounters with a goblin in the woods to more intricate engagement with the arch mage and grand council. The political ties between them makes it even more interesting including arch mage, grand council, and the Dwarven Enclave to name only a few of the participating rulers.
Did you know that today is National Share the Love Day?
The pandemic has certainly made it more difficult to share affection with loved ones. Although the pandemic has settled down in terms of Canadian restrictions, there’s still some hesitation with folks to going out.
Statistics Canada published the Canadian social survey for august and September of 2021. They reported that more than 1 in 10 Canadians are always or often lonely. That’s a lot of loneliness for one country. That means in a single high school class of 30 kids, at least 3 of those kids are feeling lonely. In an average downtown Edmonton office of 120 people, 12 of your coworkers feel lonely most of the time. It’s a sad statistic but there are things that you can do!
Isolation doesn’t just make you feel lonely though. The negative impacts of isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) as well as chronic conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia).
There are ways to socialize even during and after a pandemic. Here are some ways to share love with loved ones if you’re not able or not yet comfortable doing so in person.
Play Online Games Together.
Get on your headset and boot up the old computer. It’s time to play some MMOs, Jack Box, World of Warcraft, Animal Crossing, Pokemon Go, or even Facebook’s popular game Words with Friends. Add in a discord server and there’s no limit to the games you can play with your friends.
Host An Online Party.
These are great ways to socialize face to face without it being in person. There are countless apps and software that are perfect for this. Zoom, google hangouts, and jack box games are just a few examples.
Give Them a Ring.
Get some facetime with the ones you love with video calls with the help of Skype, Discord, Facebook, and Snapchat just to name a few.
“it reflects the fact that people are wanting to show that they care, with that extra piece of effort of producing a written artifact to send, even if it’s a digital one,” Professor Simeon Yates, A Professor Of Digital Culture At The University Of Liverpool In England explains.
Send Them a Gift.
Have a gift delivered to their home! This is a fantastic way to let them know that you’re thinking of them. What about some of our very own Switching Styles Merch? It could be something small to Something that’s been on their wishlist for a long time. Even a handwritten letter will make their day.
Attend Live Online Events and Concerts.
Thanks to online event listings like Facebook, Eventbrite, Travel Alberta and many more, you’ve got options for webinars, online training, live concerts and so much more!
Share In a Watch Party.
Watch parties are where everyone is watching the same movie at the same time with the opportunity for real-time chatting. Check out watchparty.me for all the options.
Send Them a Personalized Spotify Playlist.
Share your favourite songs and artists with friends and family. This could be a way to show off your new favourite covers of “Numb Little Bug: By Em Beihold Or Your Top Quirky Songs By Wild Child!
Happy National Share The Love Day! Here are some love songs covers to share with your loved ones. Send them one of these songs to get the socialization started!
“Lean On Me” Originally by Bill Withers Performed by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend
“Jenny” Originally by Studio Killers Covered By Justine M.
“Friends Never Say Goodbye” Originally by Elton John Covered By Kristo Qerama
“Anytime You Need a Friend” Originally by Mariah Carey Covered By Jo-B Sebastian
“You’re My Best Friend” Originally by Queen Covered By Heavy Weather
Share this with a friend or loved one for National Share The Love Day today!
“Mad World” is a beautiful song for when you need to shed some tears especially when it comes to the Mad World Cover Songs. Read more about this Tears for Fears original song below on Switching Styles!!
They haven’t completely stopped making and performing music. Their newest album was released at the start of 2022. On 25 February, Concord Records released The Tipping Point. in November of 2021, they announced a US and UK summer tour starting in May 2022. Check out their website for up-to-date information.
“In general, sad music is thought to cause us to experience sadness, which is considered an unpleasant emotion. As a result, the question arises as to why we listen to sad music if it evokes sadness. One possible answer to this question is that we may feel positive emotions when we listen to sad music,” explainsAi Kawakami, Kiyoshi Furukawa, Kentaro Katahira, and Kazuo Okanoya of the Tokyo University of the Arts.
All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces Bright and early for their daily races Going nowhere, going nowhere Their tears are filling up their glasses No expression, no expression Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had I find it hard to tell you ’cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it’s a very, very Mad world Mad world Mad world Mad world
Children waiting for the day they feel good Happy birthday, happy birthday Made to feel the way that every child should Sit and listen, sit, and listen Went to school and I was very nervous No one knew me, no one knew me Hello teacher tell me what’s my lesson Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had I find it hard to tell you ’cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it’s a very, very Mad world Mad world Mad world Mad world
And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had I find it hard to tell you ’cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it’s a very, very Mad world Mad world
Mad World Cover Songs
Switching Styles has scoured the internet to find you the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the crowing achievement. Below are some of our personal favourite covers for your listening pleasure of “Mad World”.
Did you know that tears aren’t made up of water and salt? All tears contain enzymes, lipids, metabolites and electrolytes but not all types of tears are built the same. Emotional tears, unlike basal or reflex tears, have additional proteins and hormones such as prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, Leu-enkephalin, potassium and manganese. However, science isn’t completely aware of exactly why. There are a few theories including self-regulation of the human body bringing it back to a homeostasis level or the body’s status quo.
Which one was the saddest cover, do you think? Comment your thoughts below!
